Post COVID-19 노인환자의 호흡운동 효과에 대한 체계적 문헌고찰

Systematic Review of the Effects of Respiratory Exercise in Elderly Patients who had Coronavirus Disease 2019

Purpose: The current study aimed to perform a systematic review of studies analyzing the effect of respiratory exercises in elderly individuals who had coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Randomized controlled trials on respiratory exercise in elderly individuals who had COVID-19 published within the last 5 years up to May 2024 were searched from CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, and PEDro. In total, two studies were selected according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the PEDro Scale was used for qualitative analysis. Both studies included interventions such as respiratory rehabilitation and breathing exercise conducted for 6-8 weeks. Results: Of 456 studies identified from 2019 to 2024, 2 were finally selected. All studies included participants who performed respiratory exercise for 10-45 min per day for 2-3 sessions per week for 6-8 weeks. Compared with the control group, the intervention group presented with significant improvement in respiratory function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and oxygen saturation), exercise capacity (6-minute walk test), craniovertebral angle, and thoracic kyphosis. The intervention group had significant improvement in quality of life, as assessed using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. The participants’ anxiety levels (measured using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale) decreased significantly after the intervention. However, there were no significant improvements in activities of daily living (assessed using the Functional Independence Measure) and depression scores (measured using the Self-Rating Depression Scale). Conclusion: Respiratory exercise has a positive impact on not only respiratory function but also exercise capacity, quality of life, and anxiety levels in elderly individuals who had COVID-19.